Annapurna base camp trek for beginners

Annapurna base camp trek is a highly acclaimed and high-ranking trekking route in Nepal about 4130 meters. Annapurna base camp trek is a remarkable two-river valley and you go by massive stone gateways to encounter snow-capped mountains and conventional mountain town life. Annapurna circuit is also known as the best long-distance trek in the world. Annapurna base camp trek for beginners is a tremendous combination that loves natural views and you can experience traditional mountain village life.

It has various cultural climate zones, from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture villages of Manang Valley and lower Mustang.

The circuit is very tough at times, and the high altitude and unpredictable weather of the Annapurna mountain range. Every normal fit person can walk 5 to 6 hours a day and can join the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

In this Journey, the route provides different cultures like Gurung and Magar with warm and welcoming personalities.

Reach altitudes of more than 5000 meters, and discover the ancestral traditions of local people and locals with organic food where trekkers can experience a lot of food on that journey and immerse themselves completely in the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna circuit.

Annapurna base camp trek has the best mountain scenes with the beauty of nature and it has a two-night accommodation in Kathmandu and one-night accommodation in Pokhara while living in these two accommodations you can have Nepali local foods. 

This route includes another popular trekking destination, the Poon Hill Trek, and provides unparalleled mountain views and you have the perfect photo opportunities.

Email: info@travelawaytrek.com 

WhatsApp: +9779861499035 (Sudip)

Fact About Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Location: Annapurna region of Nepal
• Starting point: Kathmandu 
• Ending point: Kathmandu 
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4130m from sea level and 13550ft
• Accommodation: Tea houses and lodge
• Best time to trek: Spring and Autumn
• The tail passes the Annapurna Conservation Area
• Enjoy the natural hot spring bath after the trek at Jhinu Danda which is at the Modi river
• Discover authentic cultures and lifestyle
• Walk through lush greenery and the largest rhododendron forests, the river valleys
• It is the easiest trek in Nepal and also the fastest trek in the base camp
• Major Villages: Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Deurali, Himalaya Hotel and find many villages on your routes.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary for Beginners:

Day 1: Tourist bus drive to Pokhara
Day 2: Drive to Ulleri
Day 3: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 4: Trek to Tadapani
Day 5: Trek to Chhomrong
Day 6: Trek to Deurali
Day 7: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Day 8: Trek to Bamboo
Day 9: Trek to Jhinu and then drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu

The Things To Know Before Trekking Annapurna base camp trek for beginners 

I have mentioned the proper information and preparation are required for the Annapurna Base Camp trek for beginners. You should have to be fully prepared for your trek. You must need stamina and endurance. There are no age restrictions but the route’s difficult.

Here is the list that trekkers must know before the Annapurna Base Camp trek:

Mentally Preparation for Trek

Trekkers must be prepared for everything. The main thing is that they should be approved for their trek with a positive mindset and mentally prepare for the trek.

Trekking must be tough, trekkers can also be mentally empty for beginners so you must be prepared mentally.

Firstly, do more research about the route and its difficulty. Suggestion, don’t start trekking with high exceptions. There will be both highs and lows and be ready to face both. 

The weather in Nepal conditions can’t except it can change unexpectedly. In some places, the food and lodging can’t meet your expectations. You may feel different, face discomfort, and find the route more challenging than expected. 

Permits

You must research the necessary permits for trekking in Annapurna Base Camp. There are two permits to trek to Annapurna base camp. Accordingly, the licenses are different for different routes that you have planned to trek 

The first permit is Conservation Base Camp to start your trek for Annapurna Base Camp. Another useful permit to trek on different routes is the Trekkers Management System including Annapurna Base Camp. 

The costs of ACAP and TIMS will be different by country. It will be beneficial that if you are from a SAARC nation, you will get a specific discount on permits.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is the foremost essential thing you need to consider at any trekking site. A beginner may need to learn the value of acclimatization.

Still, it is crucial to let your body adjust to the changed temperature and minimize the risk of altitude-related sickness. Choosing the itinerary plan with a separate acclimatization day would be best.

It is a relatively lower altitude and there is a lower chance of acute mountain sickness. Therefore, the itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp for beginners should be designed to help them with acclimatization.

Accommodation

Locally-operated teahouses and guesthouses are accommodation types during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The accommodation is basic which has rooms with 2 beds, a mattress, pillow, and a quilt. 

At peak season, sharing a room must be done. So, it’s better to book in advance. For the facilities like using Wi-Fi, hot water, shower, and laundry, trekkers must pay an additional charge.

The tea houses along the trail provide essential foods. Generally, you’ll have a shared bathroom and facilities like a hot bath, which you need extra.

The food you’ll get throughout the trek to Annapurna Base camp is local and Nepali dishes; however, some tea houses also offer international food. Remember that you’ll have to manage to stay in a basic tea house with basic facilities.

Weather and Climate

Summer usually coincides with monsoon. The heavy rainfall can make the trek more challenging. It makes the trail slipper and there are risks of landslides. So we highly advise you against trekking in Annapurna Base Camp during monsoon season. 

Similarly, winter is also another season that we advise you to avoid. It is not completely impossible to trek but be prepared for snowfall and sub-zero temperatures at higher elevation. You will also need winter gear. 

The weather conditions can change at times despite the season. Thus, trekkers should be prepared for any weather and climate conditions. Check the weather forecasts and information before you plan the trek.

Best Time to Trek

The best trekking season significantly impacts your journey; as a beginner. Trekking during the spring and autumn seasons is highly recommended.

Trekking during the spring and autumn seasons is highly recommended. You’ll face less difficulty and have pleasant weather conditions, which will significantly help a beginner trekker.

Similarly, beginner and experienced trekkers are not recommended to trek during the summer and winter seasons as those seasons create more difficulties and challenges.

Guides and Porters

Trekkers’ safety is the utmost priority. Hence, certified licensed guides who are experts in this field are assigned.

They have in-depth knowledge of the region, can speak English fluently, are technically competent, and can perform safety rescues. Furthermore, the itinerary is designed to comfort the trekking experience for trekkers.

The guides are usually locals of the region. They can provide you with in-depth knowledge of the region, culture, and traditions. Similarly, with their help, you can interact with local communities. 

Another important reason for beginners to hire a guide is for safety reasons. The guides are trained to tackle challenging situations such as altitude sickness.

Also, verify that they have all the required certificates and licenses. We at Nepal Alternative Treks have expert guides with all the qualifications and certificates

Physically Preparation For ABC Trek

Physical Fitness plays a vital role in deciding your trekking experiences in the mountains in Nepal. The geographical structure of the trails in the Annapurna region is full of ascend, descend, steep slopes, and rugged.

You have to climb an uphill trail for 5 to 8 hours daily with your backpack on your back if it is hard for you.

As a result, it is important to train yourself to prepare for the ABC Trek. Just like push-ups, pull-ups, and squats can also help to strengthen your overall body. Fitness, stamina.

Trekkers need to walk daily for several hours on those trails. Besides, maintaining good health and necessary check-ups before the trek proves to be fruitful.

Communication and Internet     

Internet and mobile network coverage during the Annapurna Base Camp can be limited and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes.

Internet facilities during the ABC trek are available but networks may be unstable.  To use the internet, purchase a local SIM card and buy a data pack. For emergencies, there is a satellite phone facility.
Some tea houses and lodges have Wi-Fi, which you can use, paying a small fee. However, connectivity may be slow and intermittent.

Mostly in the lower regions, internet facilities are stable and as the elevation rises networks are unstable. For communication, phone signals are there but unstable in the higher regions.

Documents and Papers

As an international traveler, you need to get all the documents and paperwork sorted. Without a proper visa and paperwork, you cannot travel around Nepal.

The documents and papers that are required for the Annapurna Base Camp trek are included below:

• Visa
• Trekking Permits 
• Insurance 
• Guide and Porter Insurance

Packing Essentials:

Suitable packing is also a key factor for a better trekking experience in the mountains. Packing essential lists are provided by the tour operator. Here is a tentative list for packing essentials for the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Clothing and Footwear 

• Sleeping bag
• Down jacket
• LED headlight
• Water bottle
• First-aid kit
• Water purification solution
• Trekking poles
• Hiking Shirts 
• long-sleeved shirt 
• Fleece jacket 
• Polypropylene underwear 
• Sweater
• Sun hat or scar
• Headlight with extra batteries 
• Lightweight gloves 
• Heavyweight winter gloves 
• Hiking Boots 
• Thick wool socks 
• Raincoat
• Sunglasses
• Full fingers gloves
• Socks
• Thermal cap
• Fleece
• Sunscreen

Personal Items 

• Money 
• Watch 
• Cell phone 
• Camera 

Conclusion:  

You must be prepared with proper planning, physical preparedness, a positive mind, and the proper guide after which beginners can complete the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

For beginners, Annapurna base camp provides an unforgettable and long-lasting experience with Nepali culture Nepali food and beautiful views of mountains, hill valleys, and greener forests.

To trek for beginners you must train your body to improve your endurance before the trek.

      FAQ         

• Do you need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or not?

Yes, for beginners a guide is compulsory for Annapurna Base Camp. There are different routes to go to Annapurna Base Camp. For the right path, you must need the help of a proper guide.

We also met lots of other travellers along the way and it was fun to arrange to stay in the same villages and trek together, people travelling with guides had a stricter schedule of where they needed to stay and how far to trek each day.

• What are the Temperatures at the Annapurna Base Camp?

During the day temperatures are mostly pleasant and after warming up a t-shirt is fine for trekking with a warmer layer to put on when you stop.

At night the temperature drops sometimes quite dramatically and you will need a couple of warmer layers. Expect it to get below zero at the base camp at night (we were there in April) and below 10 degrees Celsius further down.

• How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna base camp is not any more difficult trek. It is just 7 7-day quick hike exploring beautiful views that is worth to do it. The trek’s difficulty is all about a narrow way, and a quick hike makes us high altitude sick.

• Is Annapurna Circuit still worth it?

Yes, there is no doubt that trekking Annapurnas is well worth doing. As discussed it is possible to avoid the road in most places due to NATT.

• Is the Annapurna base camp trek safe?

Trekking in Nepal is generally safe if certain precautions are taken and ABC is not particularly dangerous Even though it has a risk of avalanche. From what I understand, the risk of avalanches is lower during Spring Season.

• Altitude sickness and what to do about it

Well-trained people can get it as easily as untrained people. 

Having said this, there are some things you can do that will lower the chance of getting altitude sickness:

1. Take the journey well-rested
2. Drink plenty of tea and water
3. Acclimatize every day – your guide will help you and tell you what to do
4. Optional: use DiamoxContact us on our Whatsapp for any travel inquiries: +9779861499035.